Supporters of ‘night of Stars’ Promise to Sell 45,000 Tickets

August 23, 1934

Pledging themselves to sell at least 45,00 tickets for the theatrical presentation being sponsored by the amusement division of the United Jewish Appeal at the Yankee Stadium on September 20 to aid German Jewish refugees, representative New York business men offered whole-hearted support to the project at a luncheon yesterday at the Hotel Commodore in honor of Michael Schaap, chairman of the Trades Council of the Appeal.

Dr. G. A. Lowenstein, chairman of the business men’s committee for the “Night of Stars” production, paid tribute to Col. Jacob Ruppert for contributing use of the Stadium for the occasion. He disclosed that Ruppert had refused the use of the Stadium to a local Nazi group, the Steel Helmets, despite the fact that the baseball magnate is of “German stock,” as he declared.

It was further announced that Mr. Schaap’s group had collected $250,000, or about forty per cent of the total raised in New York.

The show will conclude the drive for funds in New York City. Samuel Caplan, assistant director of the project, announced that “everybody in the amusement field who is worth while will participate in the spectacle,” including George Jessel, Eddie Cantor and Al Jolson.

Morris Rothenberg, co-chairman of the United Jewish Appeal and president of the Zionist Organization of America, praised the work of Mr. Schaap in the drive for funds, and urged those present to follow his example in the sale of tickets.

Felix M. Warburg, national chairman of the U. J. A., who was unable to attend the luncheon, sent a message to Mr. Schaap expressing appreciation for “the splendid work you are doing.”